Biography Lee Allen

Edwin Lee Allen ("Lee") (1910-2006)

Born on September 16, 1910 in Muscatine, Iowa, Lee Allen soon experienced the early loss of his mother, his family's relocation to Des Moines, and the emergence of his innate painting talents. His father, a self-taught engineer, purchased a set of oil paints for him as a present on his eleventh birthday. While in high school, Allen supported himself financially as a Western Union messenger, frequenting the offices of the Des Moines Register's art department, receiving tips and attention from its employees. Allen won numerous awards in local art shows for his watercolors and etchings, and in 1928, had his first, major accolades at the Iowa State Fair's art salon. While there, he met and befr
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